Combined seat support



April 26, 1927.

D. C. SLATER COMBINED SEAT SUPPORT, TABLE, AND LUGGAGE CARRIER FOR AUTOMOBILES I5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 24. 1924 April 26, 1927. 1,625,916

D. C. SLATER COMBINED SEAT SUPPORT, TABLE, AND LUGGAGE CARRIER FOR AUTOMOBILES led p 24. 1924 3 Sheets-$heet 2 gwwntoz vlullllnlaullnlrmrnumlllllallllln 1,625,916 Apnl 6 1927' D. c. SLATER 4 COMBINED SEAT SUPPORT, TABLE, AND LUGGAGE CARRIER FOR AUTOMOBILES Filed Sept. 24. 1924 3 heets-Sheet 3 Sum nu Patented Apr. 26, 19237.

UNITED STATES DICK C. SLATER. OF LATROBE. PENNSYLVANIA.

COMBINED SEAT SUPPORT, TABLE, AND LUGGAGE CARRIER FOR AUTOMOBILES.

Application filed September 24, 1924.

The invention relates to a combined tolding: seat support. table and luggage carrier for automobiles.

The object of the present invention is to provide a simple. practical and etiicient device of strong. durable and. comparatively inexpensive construction adapted to be compactly toldcd and conveniently carried in an automobile beneath the seat thereof or in auv other desired manner and capable oi being readily arranged to form a luggage carrier, seat support or table.

A further object of the invention is to provide a. device of this character designed particularly for use by campers for convenience in carrying; luggage at the side of a machine and for use as a seat support or table while camping outas well as for use about ahouse when not employed in connection with an automobile.

A further object of the invention is to provide a combined seat support. table and luggage carrier structure in which the parts of the seat support and table will operate to support the device upon a running board and securely brace the device when the same is in use as a luggage carrier.

Another object of the invention is to pro vide a combined seat support. table and lugpage carrier equipped with locking: means adapted to securelv hold the parts in operative position and at the same time maintain the folding parts firmly in their toldcd position against the lower face of the top of the table or seat support when the device is not in use.

lVith these and other objects in view. the invention consists in the construction and novel combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter fully described. illustrated in the accompanying drawings and pointed out in the claims hereto appended. itbeing understood that various changes in the form. proportion and minor details of construction, within the scope of the claims. may he resorted to without departing trom the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages ot' the invention.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a plan view ot the combined seat. table and luggage carrier. the parts being folded.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view ot the same. the device being arranged to form a seat.

Serial No. 739,679.

l igure 3 is a transverse sectional view of the same.

Figure is a similar view. the legs being extended to form a table. 7

Figure 5 is a horizontal sectional view, the device llOlllgl arranged as a luggage carrier.

Figure 6 is a transverse sectional view of the same, the section being taken in the plane of one set of the legs.

Figure 7 is a detail sectional View taken loiuritudinally ot' the leg hinge.

Figure 8 is a detail sectional view of the central locking device taken longitudinally of the lockingbolt.

Figure 9 is a detail transverse sectional view of the locking device at the handle thereof.

Figure 10 is a similar view taken at the bridge piece.

Figure 11 is a detail view of one pair of extension legs and connecting cross bar.

Tn the accompanying drawings, in which is illustrated the preferred embodiment of the invention. the combined seat. table and luggage carrier comprises in its construction. an oblong top 1, hinged legs 2, equipped with foldable extensible members 3, and maintained rigidly in operative position by longitudinal inclined braces 4. The top 1, which is adapted to form a support for an automobile seat and also the top of the tablc. is designed to be constructed of thin sheet steel but it may be constructed of any other suitable material. either metal or wood as will be readily understood.

In the form of the invention shown in the drawings, the lens 2 are connected adjacent their lower or Free ends by a cross bar 5, and the said lens and cross bar are constructed of channel formation. being composed of a connecting web and side flanges, but they may he made of angle bars, semitubular material or the like, and the hinged end ot each legis provided with a strap extension 6. bent into approximately U- shape to term an eye to receive a pintle 7. which also passes through spaced eyes 8 of a Fixed leat 9 secured to the lower face of the top 1 by spot welding or any other suitable means. The inner side of the strap or tongue 6 is arranged in spaced relation with theweb of the channel leg and is spaced therefrom by a block 10 and the terminal portion 11 of the strap projects beyond the block 10 to form a keeper for engaging the toldable leg members 3. The lee; members 3 when folded, fit in the channels of the legs 2 and are connected by a crossbar 12, which tits in the channel of the cross bar 5 of the legs 2 and when the device is arranged totorin a seat as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawings the loldable leg inen'ibers 3 and the cross bar 12 are contained Wholly within the channels of the legs 2 and the cross bar 5 and the upper ends ot the leg members 3 are engaged with the keepers formed by the terminal portions 11 of the tongue or strap of the hinge. By this construction, the foldable lee members 8 and the connecting cross bar 12 are compactly arranged out of the wa and at the same time reinforce the legs 2 when the device is used as a seat and is liable to be subjected to the greatest strain incident to its use.

When the device is arranged to 'ttllla'l a ta ble the :toldablc' leg members 8 are reversed to extend the said lea members long tudinally of the legs 3 to provide table lens oi the required length. The cross bar 12 which is received within the cross bar 5 is located near one end of the numbers and in spaced relation. to such end so that the said ends of the leg members will extend a short distance along the channels ot the leg-s 2 above the cross bar 5 to provide a pcrlcctlv rigid connection between the legs 2 and the toldable extensible leg members 3. The cross bars 5 and 12 are provided with central registering; openings for the reception of hooks 13 formed integral with the lower ou'terends oi the inclined braces l and which are provided adjacent the inner ends of the books with projecting lugs let "Forming shoulders for abutting against the cross bars 12 to form stops to limit the inward n1ovement of the hinged lens while the hooks prevent outward movement of the same. The upper ends of the braces are bevelled at 15 to fit against the lower face of the top 1 and are overlapped when the legs are ranged in a perpendicular position to form either a'table or a seat and the said overlapped ends are provided with registering openings 16 for the reception ot a locking; bolt '17 slidah'l v mounted in guides 18 and 19 and adapted to project into a guide or eye 20 when in its locked position. The openings 16 of the overlapped ends or the inclined braces are countersunk at the faces of the braces as shown and the engaging; end 21 of the locking bolt is tapered to facilitate the engagement of the locking; bolt with the openings 16 of the braces. The overlappingends of the inclined braces are received between the eye 20 and the sruide 19. which hold the braces against lateral movement. The locking bolt is equipped with handle 22 which is adapted to be arranged at either side of a fixed member 23 having a curved portion 24; extending partially around the locliting bolt and spaced from the top 1 to provide an intervening space for the PZRSHQQ of the handle in sliding; the bolt to and from its locked position. The handle is adapted to be arranged at either side of th fi ed members for holding; the bolt in or out of engagement. The rwm eringr openii'igs of the cross bars 5 and. 1! permit the engagement oi the books of the braces with the said cross bars when the leg members 3 are either in their wzrtrmded or folded position. and the braces maintain the legs rigidly in a vertical position with relation to the top 1.

lVhcn it desired to fold the device to the pos tion illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawings. the braces are removed and are placed in keepers and. 26 arranged in pairs at opposite sides of the top 1 at the lower face thereof. 'llhc bevelled end 15 is placed in the keeper 9,5 and the hooked end of the brace is engaged with the keeper .36. which may be provided with an inwardly extending lug .2? to form a stop for the :uliaccut end oi the brace. The keepers which are designed to lTO secured to the top l by spot welding: or other suitable means, have approximately l.-sha ic il engaging); porlions which lit over the ends of the braces shown and the hit 7 loss. after the u'ioi'ubcrs 3 are folded, are swung, againstthe lower face of the top 1 and lie between the lU'IdfiS and maintain the same in the keepers so that there will be no liability of the braces accidcntally :lalling' out oi? the said keepers. The legs are maintained, in their tolded position against the lower face of the top l by means of the sliding bolt and a l:n'i l.. 3;e-pie 'c 28 extending across the son the cross bars 5, and having, The brid e pic-cc 28 is curved at nietiate p non to extend beneath the lot icing bolt which inaintains the bridge piece in igeinent with the cross bars 5. The other end 30 ot' the ln'idge :piecc flattened and brought to an edge to enable it to be readily inserted between the legs and the leg members 4h readily removing; the leg members from their folded position. The igned inv practice to be permanently attached to the top 1 by a flexible connection 31. of leather or other suitable material of sutiicicnt length connected to the eye 29 to enable it to be concr hhlpcd legs til) ill?) lit) }' ositiou perpendicular to the top 1 and are secured in such position with relation to the top 1 by means of the braces t, which are engaged with side locking means consisting preferably ot angle pieces 33, provided with registering openings Elel adapted to receive a bolt 35. The bolt 35 also passes through the perforations [6 of the inner ends of the braces 3t and securely fastens the same to the top 1. The lower legs of each pair rest upon the running board and are clamped in position on the same by means of inner and outer U-bolts 36 passing through perforations 37 of the running board and provided with nuts 38 which may engage the lower face of the running board or clip plate at the upper edges of the legs as shown. The legs are adapted to be arrangeiil in ditterent angles beyond a perpendicular position to adjust the luggage carrier to the width of the running board and the U-bolts firmly clamp the luggage carrier to the running board out of engagement with the adjacent side of the body of the machine. By employing inner and outer U-bolts there will be no liability of the luggage carrier being bolted out of position when the machine is travelling over a rough roadway and the luggage carrier will provide ample space for various kinds of big gage. Also the braces ii: will form with the legs and top corner, spaces in which various articles may be conveniently placed, and held against movement.

hen the device is arranged to form a seat structure or seat support an automobile seat placed upon the top and is sufiiciently reinforced to support the weight of the persons using it Without bending the top.

In arranging the device as a luggage carrier the legs may be swung out or inwardly from a perpendicular position or one may be swung outwardly and one inwardly to arrange the device to best suit the size of available space on a running board.

\Vhat is claimed is:

1. An article of the class described comprising a top, legs arranged in pairs and hinged to the top and provided with connecting bars, extension leg members also ar ranged in pairs and having connecting bars, said extension leg members and their cross bars conforming to the configuration oi the hinged leg members and the cross bars thereof and fitting against the same and detachable and reversible whereby the device may be elevated for use as a table, and means for securing the hinged legs and the extension legs in either position of the latter for holding the legs in rigid relation with the top. the cross bars of the extension leg members titling against the cross bars of the legs in both positions of the said extension leg members.

2. An article of the class described comprising a top legs arranged in pairs and hinged to the top and provided with connecting bars, extension leg members arranged in pairs and having connecting bars located at a point between the center and one end of the extension leg members, the la ter and its connecting bars conforming to the hinged legs and the connecting bars thereot and fitting against the same and reversible, whereby the device may be elevated tot use as a table, said connecting bars ot the extension leg members tilting against the connecting bars of the hinged legs in both :nljustmcnts of the said extension leg members, and braces connecting the legs with the top and having means for engag- .ing the leg extensions for holding the same in ei 'hcr position.

3. An art cle oi the class described com prtsing a top legs arranged in pairs and hinged to the top and provided with connecting bars extension leg members arranged in pairs and having connecting bars, said extension leg members and connecting bars conl'orming to the configuration ot' the hin, ed legs and the connecting bars thereof, and iiiting against the same and reversible, whereby the device may be elevated for use as a table, said connecting bars being provided with registering openings and the connccting b: oi the extension leg members fitting against the connecting bars of the hinged legs in both adjustments of the extension leg members with the said openings in register in each adjustment, and inclined braces connected at their upper ends with the said top and provided at their lower ends with means for engaging both the opening oi both the connecting bars oi' the hinged leg members in each position oi the latter tor holding the legs rigid with the top.

-t. An article oi? the class described comprising a top, legs arranged in pairs and hinged to the top and provided with connecting bars, extension leg members ar ranged in pairs and having connecting bars, said extension leg members and connecting bars coi'itorming to the configuration of the hinged legs and the connecting bars thereof, and tilting against the same and reversible, whereby the device may be elevated for Lise as a table. said connecting bars being pro vided with registering openings and the conneciing bars oi the extension leg members fitting against the connecting bars of the hinged legs in both adjustments ot the extension leg members with the said open ings in register in each adjustment, inclined braces extending from the top to the connecting bars and provided at their lower ends with substantially hook-shaped portions engaging the openings and the cross bars o't both the hinged legs and the extension leg nien'ibers in both adjustments --vi dcd wi th. re

. being also provided with in the members in both adjustments prising the latter. and means tor dctacl'iably prh ringr a top, legs arranged in pairs and hii'iged to the top and provided with connecting' bars extension lee meinhers arranged in pa hrs and having connecting bars, said extension lee inenibirs and connecting bars contorn'iing to the (or iicura tion ot the hinged legs and. the connecting: bars thereof, and lifting agraii the same and reversible, wher by the device may he ele *ated tor use as a table said connecting bars being pr tering' gjicnings the connecting bars of the extension lee; incinhers fitting: against the connecting bars of the hinged lens in hoth adjustments oi? the exteisio n leg members with the said openings in. register in in h adjustment, inclined l'n'iices extending: trom the said top to the cross bars and havi g: substantially hook shaped terminals eng'a ing); the openings oi? he connecting: bars ot both the hinged legs and the extension leg members in hcrh z1diiistnimti-i otithe latter. said inclined hi'arcs meaning: the connecting bars and roopcra with the hool; shaped terminals to hold the lees in rigid relation with the top. and means tor di-itachably connectim; the upper ends oi the braces to the top,

6. An article of the class described comprising a top, arranged in pairs and hinged. to the top and provided with connecting: bars, extension lee members ar- -anged in pairs and having;- connecting bars, said ixtension leg mei'nhers and connecting bars coi'rtorminp; to the configuration (it the hinged legs and the connecting bars thereo'tand fitting against the same and. ITOVCIS- ible. whereby the deice may he elevated for use as a table, said connecting! bars being provided. with registering openings and connecting bars of the e.:tension leg incn'ibers fitting against the connecting bars of the hinged legs in both adjustments of the extension leg: members with the said openings in. register in each adjustment, in clined hraces extending" from the top to the connecting hers and having means tor engaging the openings in the conne tie bars of both the hinged legs and extension leg ot' the latter, and a locking device common to the upper ends of both or". the braces and detachahlv securing the same to the top.

T. An article of the class described com- 7 a top, legs arranged in pairs and hinged to the top and 'novided with connecting; hairs e: tension leomemhers ar ranged in pairs and having connecting bars, said extension leg members and connecting bars contori'ning to the configuration ot the l'iinged legs and the connectin bars thereof,

and fitting against the same and reversible, whereby the device may be elevated for use a tahle, said connecting; bars being provided with registering Openings and the connecting bars of the extension leg" members fitting against the connecting bars of the l'iino'ed lens in both adjustments of the extension lee members vith the said openings in register in each adjnstmenn inclined braces extending from the said top to the connectiijltr hers and having meant-i tor engaging the openings of the connecting' bars both of the hinged legs and oil the :ztension leg members in hoth adjustments of the latter, said. braces being n'ovided at their upper ends with registering openings. and a locking device common to the upper ends of both of the braces and. having a slidahle li'icking; bolt engaging; in the brace.

8. An article of the class described co1nprisinga. top lees arranged in pairs and hinged to the top and provided with connecting wars, extension leg members ar ranged in pairs and having); connecting bars, said extension leg members and their connecting; bars conforming to the hinged legs and the connecting bars thereof and fitting. against the same and reversible, whereby the device may be elevated for use as a table, the connecting bars of the Jil'GHSlOU legs being; located at a point hetween the center and one end of the said members and coinciding with and fitting: against the connect-- ing bars of the hinged legs in both adjustments of the extension lee members, inclined braces provided at their lower end. with means for securing the connecting bars together when the same are in either adjustment of the extension leg members. and means common to the upper ends of: the inclined braces for detachablv securing the same to the top, retaininggthe legs rigid with the top.

9. An article of the class described includinc; a top. hinged legs arranged in pairs and provided with connecting" bars, said legs and connecting bars having side extension leg members arranged in pairs and having similar connecting bars fitting against the hinged lens and the connecting bars thereof and lying substantiallv-within the contour of the extension legs, said extension legs being reversible whereby the device mav be used as a table, andthe connecting bars of the extel sion lees fitting against the connecting bars of the hinged lens in both adjustments of the extension less, and inclined hraees ere tending from the said top and connected with the connecting; bars of the lens and the extension leg members in both adjustments of the latter for maintainin; the legs rigid with relation to the top. V '7 10. An article of the class described including a top. hinged legs arranged in pairs and provided with connecting bars, said ill legs and connecting bars having side extension l'eg members arranged in pairs and having similar connecting bars fitting against the hinged legs and the connecting bars thereof and lying substantially within the contour of the extension legs, said extension legs being reversible, whereby the device may be used as a table, and the connecting bars of the extension legs fitting against the connecting bars of the hinged legs in both adjustments of the extension legs, inclined braces extending from the top to the legs, means for detachably connecting the lower ends of the braces with the hinged legs when the extension leg members are in either position, and means for detachably securing the upper ends of the braces to the top.

11. An article of the class described including a top, hinged legs arranged in pairs and having connecting bars, reversible extension leg members carried by the hinged legs and having connecting bars and fitting against and arranged substantially within the contour of the said hinged legs and the connecting bars thereof to form a seat and re versible whereby the top is elevated for use as a table, the connecting bars of the ex tension leg members fitting against the connecting bars of the hinged legs in both ad justinents of the extension leg members, keepers located at opposite sides of the top and arranged to receive the inclined braces when the latter are detached and the said keepers being located adjacent to the legs which fold between the braces and conline the same within the said keepers.

12. An article of the class described, including a top, parallel legs hinged to the top and :t'oldable against the same, detachable braces connected with the top and with the legsfor holding the legs rigid with the top, fixed keepers arranged in pairs near the side edges of the top adjacent to the outer side faces of the legs when the latter are folded and receiving the said braces when the same are detached, said legs when folded being located between the braces and operating to confine the same in the keepers and adapted to release the braces from the keepers when unfolded.

13. An article of the class described including a top, parallel legs hinged to the top and l'oldable against the same, inclined braces detachably connected with the top and with the legs for holding the legs rigid with the top, and keepers carried by the top and located at the outer side of the legs when the latter are in their folded position, said keepers receiving the braces when the latter are detached, and the said legs operating in folding and unfolding to confine the braces in the keepers and to release them therefrom.

14. An article of the class described including a top, legs arranged in pairs, the members of each pair being spaced and hinged to the top and provided near their lower ends with a connecting cross bar, a locking device comprising a bolt located between the cross bars when the legs are folded, and a bridge piece extending across the space between the cross bars and having its ends engaging the same and engaged by an intermediate point by the said bolt.

15. An article of the class described including a top, legs arranged in pairs and hinged to the top and provided with connecting cross bars, reversible extension legs fitting the hinged legs and having cross bars fitting the cross bars of the hinged legs, said cross bars being provided with registering openings, inclined braces extending from the top and having means for engaging the openings of the cross bars for holding the legs rigidly in operative position, means arranged adJacent the legs when the same are folded to receive the said braces, the latter being confined in the said means by the foldct legs, a centrally arranged locking device adapted to engage the upper ends of the inclined braces when the parts are in use and a bridge piece extending across the space between the cross bars and engaged by the centrally arranged locking device for holding the legs in their folded position.

16. An article of the class described including a top provided with fixed leaves having pintles, legs provided with terminal straps bent to form eyes to receive the said. pintles and having projecting terminal portions forming keepers, reversible extension legs carried by the hinged legs and engaging the said keepers, said extension legs being adapted to convert the article into either a seat or table, and means for rigidly securing the legs in operative position.

l7. A combined table, seat, and luggage carrier including a top, legs hinged to the top and l'oldable against the same and adapted to be arranged perpendicular to the top to support the same in a horizontal position, said legs being also arranged to swing outwardly beyond a perpendicular position when the article is arranged upon a running board with the top in a vertical position longitudinally of the same to form a luggage carrier, braces extending from the top to the legs for rigidly connecting the legs with the top when the latter is in either a horizontal or vertical position and leg engaging means for securing the device upon a running board with the top in a vertical position.

18. A combined table, seat, and luggage carrier including a top, hinged legs connected to the top and arranged to fold against the same and adapted to be arranged perpendicularly to the top to support the latter in a horizontal position, said legs be- Lee ing also movable outwardly beyond a perpendicular position to enable the device to be arranged upon a running board with the top in a vertical position longitudinally of the running board to form a luggage carrier, and leg engaging means for securing the device to a running board With the top in a vertical position.

19; A. combined table, seat and luggage carrier including a top, hinged legs connected to the top and arranged to fold against the same and adapted to be arranged. perpendicularly to the top to support the latter in a horizontal position said legs be new ing also movable outwardly beyond a perpendicular posltlon to enable the device to be arranged upon a running board With the top in a vertical position longitudinally oi is arranged to form a luggage carrier with the table top in a verticalposition.

In testimony Whereott l have hereunto set my hand.

men 0. ELATIDR. 

